Background
Mainbocher was asked to modernize the uniforms for the Girl Scouts of America, whose look had constantly changed and fragmented into disparate age categories over the previous 20 years. The designer sought to create a uniform that would instill dignity and unity in Scouts at all levels, from the intermediate girls up to the troop leaders. The resulting forest green heathered twill shirtdress—which would have been worn with a dark green web belt—was neat, streamlined, and in Mainbocher’s opinion, appropriate to the Scouts’ public visibility.
Description
Shirtdress; semi-fitted; below-knee length; notched button-down collar; long set-in sleeve, single-button band cuff; flared skirt; inset side panel of bodice shirred at chest and waist; green composition insignia buttons; shoulder yoke and side vents on back bodice; patch pockets with flap edge at left chest and hips.
Garment structure
A mass-produced rather than couture-finished garment, this semi-fitted, single-breasted shirtdress has machine-stitching at the hem, collar, and cuffs and raw, pinked seams.
Gift of Caroline Rennolds Milbank, 2001.